Quality control is a key process of any production in order to detect defects or any deviation from the set quality standard. Although it is one of the most critical aspects of manufacturing, it is often prone to inconsistencies and errors causing defective goods to unfortunately make their way to consumers. Quality control does not have to be this way and many companies are taking steps to improve the process through automation with collaborative robots.

Cobots are being deployed across numerous industries to perform quality control processes such as testing and inspecting products. They can take measurements of items, take pictures, sample products, and perform non-destructive product testing. Integrating the FANUC CR-7ia with robotic vision makes it ready to go for inspection automation. Why should you consider using cobots for quality control? The top reasons are listed below.

• • Ensure Defects are not Missed - Automating quality control with collaborative robots will prevent defects from being missed. Integrating the Universal UR10 with vision allows it to detect even microscopic flaws or defects. Some defects are simply too small for the human eye to catch, but not too small for a collaborative robot. Ensuring all defects are found will improve your product quality.


• • Conduct Thorough Inspections - Cobots are programmed to follow a predefined set of instructions without any deviation. They can accurately repeat these instructions over and over ensuring all products are thoroughly inspected. Human inspectors are not able to replicate exact movements and processes for hours on end. Humans can tire, loose concentration, and become distracted which leads to mistakes. The best way to guarantee all products receive a thorough inspection is to automate with the FANUC CR-15ia or another cobot.


• • Low Cost - Cobot automation is low cost and yields a short payback period. One of the main obstacles to automating quality control was the cost, but collaborative robots make it affordable. Just the cobot and vision system is all that will likely be needed to automate an inspection application. The barrier-free operation of cobots eliminates the need for extra equipment, keeping automation costs low. For an even more cost-effective means of quality control automation, consider a used cobot like the Universal UR5.


• • Elimination of Fencing/Barriers - Cobots have built-in sensors, force limiting operation, and a rounded exterior that allow them to forgo traditional safeguarding equipment. This not only reduces their cost but keeps their footprint minimal. Vital floorspace is saved with cobots. They can also be placed on tables or carts with their compact size. Their small footprint and light mass allow users to easily move cobots to where they are needed. The Universal UR3 can test products at one workstation and then be moved to inspect products at another.


• • Low Learning Curve - Cobots are simple to setup and operate with a low learning curve. Plug and play integration means they can begin inspecting products immediately out of the box. Hand guidance programming allows any employee to program and operate a cobot. Simply move the robotic arm through the application steps and your cobot is ready to go.